In a harrowing incident that has captured international attention, Russian millionaire and construction tycoon Dmitry Kuzmin stands accused of brutally assaulting his girlfriend, model Anzhelika Tartanova, resulting in life-altering injuries including a skull deformity.
The case has sparked outrage across Russia and beyond as details of the violence emerged in late 2025.
The 41-year-old businessman and the 33-year-old glamour model had been dating for six months when Tartanova, also known as Angelica, decided to end the relationship.
She had recently relocated to Moscow for modeling and acting opportunities, seeking a fresh start after leaving behind her teenage son in her hometown.
Friends of the model described Kuzmin as controlling and jealous, reportedly treating her like a doll while isolating her from her family.
He showered her with expensive gifts but became possessive, leading to escalating tensions in their short romance.
On November 23, in a Moscow apartment, the assault took place after Tartanova announced she was leaving him, according to police investigations.
Kuzmin allegedly unleashed a ferocious beating that left her with catastrophic head wounds.
Tartanova was discovered with severe head trauma in the street and immediately hospitalized at Pirogov Hospital where she underwent emergency brain surgery.
Passersby had alerted authorities after finding her unconscious and bleeding profusely.
Doctors performed a decompressive craniotomy, removing a significant portion of her skull to alleviate brain swelling caused by the vicious beating, leading to what reports describe as half her skull missing.
The impact shattered her bones, creating a permanent deformity until further reconstruction.
The injuries have caused severe brain damage, leaving Tartanova with impaired speech, memory loss, and coordination issues, requiring extensive rehabilitation and additional procedures such as a potential 3D-printed skull implant.
She has spoken publicly about her terror at seeing her reflection and the long road ahead.
Kuzmin was arrested shortly after and charged with inflicting serious bodily harm, with some reports indicating charges of attempted murder as the model fought for her life in intensive care.
He reportedly impersonated her on social media to delay discovery of the crime.
Despite his wealth and status, Kuzmin faced a stark choice following his arrest: eight years in prison or deployment to the front lines in Ukraine.
The tycoon, who built his fortune in construction, found himself in a Russian court cage as the case unfolded.
In a twist of fate, the millionaire reportedly succumbed to a heart attack due to the stress of the criminal proceedings and potential punishment, according to local media.
His sudden death in early May 2026 came before full justice could be served.
As Tartanova continues her painful recovery, the case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the quest for justice in such high-profile cases.
Her family has voiced horror at the brutality, while advocates call for stronger protections for victims.